HubSpot SEO Certification Practice Test

What does Google prioritize more in backlink quality?

1. Quantity of backlinks

2. Quality of backlinks

3. Variety of backlinks

4. Timing of backlinks

The correct answer is: Quality of backlinks

Google places a strong emphasis on the quality of backlinks rather than the quantity. High-quality backlinks are those that come from authoritative, relevant, and trustworthy sources. These backlinks indicate to Google that the content is valuable and credible, which can significantly boost a website’s search engine rankings. When assessing backlink quality, several factors come into play, including the domain authority of the linking site, the relevance of the linking page to the content being linked, and the overall trustworthiness of the source. A link from a well-respected publication or a site that is an authority in your industry carries much more weight than numerous low-quality links. This focus on quality rather than quantity aligns with Google's mission to provide users with the best possible search experience. It helps combat spammy tactics, wherein some sites might try to artificially inflate their rankings by acquiring a large number of backlinks that lack substance or relevance. Hence, prioritizing quality leads to a healthier and more useful search environment for users.